[Scarlett.]

Katherine Kelly is to leave Coronation Street at the end of this year, ITV has announced.

The actress has decided to bow out from her role as fan favourite Becky McDonald after five years in Weatherfield.

Becky is to remain on screen until early 2012 and show bosses have promised that she will feature in dramatic storylines for the remainder of her time on the soap.

The build-up to Becky's exit begins next month when social services start investigating her 'purchase' of nephew Max from half-sister Kylie.

Believing that her arch-nemesis Tracy Barlow (Kate Ford) has reported her to the authorities, Becky soon goes on another rampage - putting Tracy's life in jeopardy and risking the future of her marriage to Steve (Simon Gregson). Details of the dramatic showdown leaked yesterday but the plot has now been officially confirmed.

Further twists and turns are then expected in the coming months as the McDonalds' ongoing story heads towards an explosive exit for Becky.

Speaking of her forthcoming departure, Kelly commented: "It's been one of the hardest decisions of my life. I love Coronation Street and everyone here. I have had the most blissful five years, I wouldn't change one moment of it - but it feels like the time is right to say goodbye to Becky."

Corrie's producer Phil Collinson added: "Katherine is a talented actress who has made the character of Becky a firm favourite with the viewers for the past five years and we will miss her as an actress and a valued member of the Coronation Street family.

"That said, we totally respect her desire to move on and viewers can certainly look forward to an electrifying nine months of gripping storylines involving Becky McDonald as we head towards her departure from Weatherfield."

Today's announcement brings months of speculation surrounding Kelly's future at Coronation Street to an end. Reports first indicated that the actress was planning to leave last December.

[Iceman]

I hope she comes back ina few years

[Kerry]

Awwww

[Smithy]

Aww

[Scarlett.]

I'm glad, she became boring in the pub

[Kerry]

I wanted her to be happy with Steve

[Scarlett.]

She could never be, she ****ed up his life, FINALLY we get Steve back

[joeysteele]

Disappointing,but some recent storylines have been over the top more than usual,She should have married Jason. Wish they could persuade Suranne Jones to play Karen again though.

[Kerry]

How many wives is that Steves lost?

[Scarlett.]

Vicky (were they married?), Karen and Becky :P

[Kerry]

Yeah, he married Vicky

[Scarlett.]

I bet Tracy's next

[joeysteele]

Vicky,Karen and Becky I think are all Steve's been married to.

[Kerry]

Karen was brilliant

[joeysteele]

Originally Posted by ~Kerry~

Karen was brilliant

I loved it when she was in it, a naturally great looking girl she was too,the chemistry with her and Steve was excellent.

[Kerry]

Originally Posted by joeysteele

I loved it when she was in it, a naturally great looking girl she was too,the chemistry with her and Steve was excellent.

Absolutely. Haha, I can hear her mouth now

[flamingGalah!]

I hope she takes her skanky sister with her!

[joeysteele]

Originally Posted by flamingGalah!

I hope she takes her skanky sister with her!

I don't really like the Kylie character but I do like the way she winds Gail up all the time.

[Scarlett.]

I like Kylie

[Marsh.]

Good decision of Katherine Kelly's, the writer's clearly have no more ideas for her. It's settle down nicely for a few episodes, get drunk, go on a rampage. Wash, rinse, repeat.

Although she can be entertaining. Storming the Platt's house was funny.

[Rob]

Be nice to see her doing something else.

[CarlaConnor]

will miss Kat Kelly in Coronation Street but look forward to seeing her in other things

[Deirdre]

Glad she's leaving tbh. It's becoming the Becky McDonald show at this stage.

[Patrick]

Hope she dies.

[Scarlett.]

The build up to her exit should be good as they can make her full on crazy and not worry about the future xD